Best Entry-Level Phono Preamps for MC Cartridges

reikso2h · « **on:** 30 Nov 2011, 07:00 pm »

Hello,
I am looking into moving towards MC cartridges and I was wondering what recommendations some of you may have for an entry-level phono stage for use with MC carts. I've looked at the Cambridge Audio 640P, Pro-Ject Phono Box II, Music Hall PA1.2, and Creek OBH-9SE, and I was wondering if anyone has experience with any of these units with MC cartridges.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
-Mark

S Clark · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 Nov 2011, 08:49 pm »

If you can handle a soldering iron, the Cambridge 640P is priced right, and can be cheaply upgraded by replacing caps. I like my Vista Audio better than my modded Cambridge, but not by much.
Scott

TomS · « **Reply #2 on:** 30 Nov 2011, 09:05 pm »

Firestone Korora offers plenty of user adjustable gain and loading options for both MM and MC.

http://www.audiophileproducts.com/korora

I haven't heard one but the reviews are generally quite positive.

Tom

SteveRB · « **Reply #3 on:** 30 Nov 2011, 09:22 pm »

I found the Creek phono stage to be a little lifeless, which is a shame because the integrated amps are a great buy.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #4 on:** 30 Nov 2011, 10:07 pm »

To that list I'd add the V-LPS and PHO-8. Both great.

And the V-LPS can be improved with a better power supply, like the one from Pyramid (Amazon's page for the V-LPS shows the one you'd want and the needed adaptor).

SET Man · « **Reply #5 on:** 30 Nov 2011, 10:58 pm »

Hey!

I assumed that you already have phono pre right now. So with that's the case there are two more option to think about.

1. If you get High Output MC than you don't need to change your current phono pre.

2. If you like the way your current phono pre sound. Instead of getting new MM/MC phono pre you can get MC Step-up transformer. Although this option can cost more because a good one will likely cost more than the least expensive MM/MC phono pre on the market.

I guess it is all depend on your budget.

I'm currently using Benz Micro "ACE High Output" cart with the built in tubed phono stage in my Audio Note M1 pre. So, since I like the built in phono pre of my pre-amp, if I'm going to move to low output MC I will get a Step-up transformer.

Take care,
Buddy

thunderbrick · « **Reply #6 on:** 30 Nov 2011, 11:13 pm »

I bought the Pro-Ject Phono Box II used on AC, and fell in love with it! Highly recommended with both the Blue Point Special and a much nicer Dynavector MC. Can't remember the model of that cart right now.

roscoeiii · « **Reply #7 on:** 1 Dec 2011, 12:32 am »

Or there is this Dynavector P75 whose auction ends in 30 minutes:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dynavector-P75-Phono-Preamplifier-Excellent-/140647801238?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20bf432196

reikso2h · « **Reply #8 on:** 1 Dec 2011, 01:48 am »

Thanks for all the input!

thunderbrick - do you know if the dynavector mc cart you used was a high output MC as well? Have you (or anyone else) tried any low ouput MC cartridges with the Pro-Ject?

sunnydaze · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Dec 2011, 01:59 am »

This ground has been covered, many times.

Check these threads and you will see the same recs over and over again::

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=97446.0

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=95068.0

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=94933.0

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=99864.0

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=94716.0

Happy Hunting!

lazydays · « **Reply #10 on:** 1 Dec 2011, 05:59 pm »

it's still hard to beat a good used Wright phono stage! They come with volume controlls and will easilly handle a MC cartridge
gary

jtsnead · « **Reply #11 on:** 2 Dec 2011, 01:03 am »

get a used Jasmine

dlaloum · « **Reply #12 on:** 2 Dec 2011, 03:43 pm »

Firestone Audio Korora gets my vote...

bunnyma357 · « **Reply #13 on:** 2 Dec 2011, 04:14 pm »

Depending on whether you have a Mac in your system, a pro-audio interface with Pure Vinyl providing the RIAA eq, can be a nice cost effective system.

I have a Focusrite Saffire interface that I have been using with an Ortofon HMC30 cartridge, that I have been pretty happy with.

Jim C

midfi · « **Reply #14 on:** 2 Dec 2011, 07:06 pm »

Quote from: S Clark on 30 Nov 2011, 08:49 pm

If you can handle a soldering iron, the Cambridge 640P is priced right, and can be cheaply upgraded by replacing caps.
Scott

Ditto...

Russtafarian · « **Reply #15 on:** 2 Dec 2011, 07:29 pm »

If you can handle a soldering iron, the phonoclone can be built for under $200. With battery power, it really makes my Soundsmith/Denon DL103 sing. My older AR SP-14 6DJ8-based phono preamp got demoted pretty quickly once I plugged in the phonoclone.

The circuit is gain and impedance matched to low output moving coil carts and will not work with higher output MM carts.

www.phonoclone.com

reikso2h · « **Reply #16 on:** 2 Dec 2011, 07:37 pm »

Any thoughts on the Jolida JD-9A?

sunnydaze · « **Reply #17 on:** 2 Dec 2011, 08:36 pm »

Tons -- use the search feature, and read the other threads.

reikso2h · « **Reply #18 on:** 2 Dec 2011, 11:06 pm »

Thanks SunnyDaze

Quiet Earth · « **Reply #19 on:** 3 Dec 2011, 12:13 am »

Quote from: SET Man on 30 Nov 2011, 10:58 pm

If you get High Output MC than you don't need to change your current phono pre.

That's what I was thinking. For the price of a new LOMC cartridge plus a step up device, you have to at least consider a high output MC.